In my not inconsiderable experience, too many people in business are in search of the proverbial silver bullet.
Unfortunately, there are no true silver bullets.
There are no quick fixes for any of: revenue shortfalls, product development problems, morale issues or disruptive competitors that have inconveniently changed the worth of your entire value proposition. The same holds true for your own professional development.
I’ve yet to figure out how to learn to lead without leading…and making mistakes. Can’t do it.
There are no courses or books that substitute for experience, although there are plenty to help you as you are gaining experience. Strategy doesn’t show up in a crystal ball, great execution doesn’t happen by accident and head-turning results that propel careers aren’t based on good luck.
If you are fortunate, some of your professional development will occur as a result of the feedback and guidance from an effective leader or mentor. For most however, it’s all up to you. You need to put the time in, read the books, apply the lessons, experiment, learn, fail, unlearn, relearn and then try some more.
At the end of the day, the reward and the rewards that you derive from your career are a function of what you put into it. The next time you attend a training class and say, “I’ve heard all of this before,” stop and recognize that it’s not hearing it that counts. It’s what you do with it.